2. A study on the effect of heat transfer methods on orthotic preparation time Vladimir Solovjov – MeEn 340 Winter 2008 Eric Radford Keith Stolworthy Jonathan Woahn

3. THEPROJECT Total process in less than 30 minutes Heating the orthotic blank is an important process Oven has various heating settings Temperature Heat method (Bake vs. Convection) Objective: Model the effect that varied heat methods have on preparing the orthotic

4. THEMODEL Orthotic Blank Radiative Heat Convective Heat Conductive Heat

5. VIDEOEXAMPLE

6. THEMETHOD 4 inch x 3 inch sheet Supralen 200-3W Timed from placement until completely clear Temperature measurements taken with thermocouple Temperatures 300 °F, 350 °F, 400 °F Bake Method Radiant heat, convective heat Repeat 2x Minor temperature variations result in large measured time differences

7. THERESULTS

8. THECONCLUSION Values calculated in MatLab were accurate to within 7% on average Generally more accurate for convective heating Convection decreased prep time by 15% when compared to pure radiant heat Convective heat plays less of a role as oven temperature rises Areas for improvement and more accurate measurements Increase contact surface between blank and silicone More consistent oven temperature Accuracy of temperature readings Known material properties Take into account shape factors, directional radiative properties